It appears the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the most serious party yet in the Royals’ effort to seek an impact return by offering veteran closer Octavio Dotel before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.

The Dodgers are looking to bolster an already strong bullpen and, presumably, would use Dotel as a setup reliever for All-Star closer Takashi Saito.

Dotel, 33, would also provide the Dodgers with a veteran backup for Saito, who has blown his last two save opportunities after converting 23 of his first 24.

Multiple sources confirm the Dodgers’ interest in Dotel, but they are balking at the Royals’ initial asking price — believed to be a young, established position player such as outfielder Matt Kemp or first baseman James Loney.